Can a Biochem Major Transition to an M.S. in Materials Science Engineering?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of transitioning from a Biochemistry undergraduate program to a Master's degree in Materials Science Engineering (MatSci). Participants explore the necessary academic background, prerequisites, and strategies to enhance competitiveness for graduate school applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about their lack of engineering coursework and programming experience, questioning if this will impact their admission chances to MatSci programs.
  • Another participant suggests that having completed general chemistry and physical chemistry may suffice for admission, indicating that foundational knowledge can be acquired during the graduate program.
  • A participant notes that the biochemistry major at their university has similar requirements to other chemistry majors, implying that their background may be adequate for MatSci.
  • There is a query regarding the necessity of taking Calculus III before applying, with the participant mentioning their completion of Calculus I, II, and enrollment in differential equations.
  • One participant reassures that knowledge of C++ is not essential, as their institution's MatSci program primarily requires proficiency in Matlab.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the importance of engineering classes and programming skills for admission to MatSci programs. While some believe that foundational courses in chemistry are sufficient, others emphasize the potential need for engineering knowledge. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific prerequisites necessary for a successful transition.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of consensus on the necessity of specific engineering coursework or programming skills, as well as the varying admission requirements across different graduate programs.

Who May Find This Useful

Undergraduates in chemical sciences considering a shift to materials science engineering, as well as those interested in graduate school application strategies in STEM fields.

coolhand
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This fall, I'm about to start my 5th year as an undergraduate pursuing a B.S. in Biochemistry. Long story short, I declared biochemistry in the fall of my senior year without having taken many science or math courses. It's been a tough road cramming 21 credits into last fall, 19 last winter, 13 more credits this summer over two half terms. I've got two more terms full course loads for this upcoming year as well.

Upon graduation next spring, I plan to take a "glide year" to get job experience, and work on grad school applications. Even though my concentration is in biochem, I'd like to move into the field of materials science engineering. So I'm wondering if that is possible for someone who has studied a chemical science, but not engineering as an undergrad?

Also, any tips to improve my competitiveness for M.S. programs in MatSci & good schools to apply to, would be greatly appreciated.
 
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Did you take 1 year of physical chemistry? If you did straight chemistry, then you would have been required to take that, and MSE grad programs will probably accept you if your other credentials are good but I don't know about biochem.
 
The biochem major at my university has similar requirements to the other chem majors here. The straight chem majors need to take specific chem classes depending on which kind of chemistry they're focusing in. For biochem, we take the same prereq's, but also have biology class reqs as well (intro bio & genetics)

For physical chem, I've taken both general chem & physical chemistry. This fall I'm going to be taking a 500-level course on the physical organic chemistry as well.

My main concern about admissions is the fact that I've never taken intro engineering classes and/or classes in programming with C++.

Also would I need to take Calc III before applying? I've taken I, II & am currently enrolled in differential equations.
 
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Don't worry about it if you've taken GenChem and Pchem. Everything you need for Matsci you can pick up on the way. Doesn't matter if you don't know C++, the MatSci majors at my school only need Matlab to graduate and most don't know C++.
 

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